Apple Files Patent for Optical Stylus

Apple has filed a patent for an optical stylus that determines its location by capturing an image while in contact with the surface.

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In some embodiments, a stylus is provided with an optical sensor, such as a camera, that is used in determining a location and movement of the stylus relative to a touch screen display of a computing device. It should be appreciated, however, that displays other than touch screens may be implemented in some embodiments. The optical stylus may be configured to transmit the location and movement to the computing device. In some embodiments, the optical stylus may be configured to process and/or filter the location and movement information prior to transmission, whereas in other embodiments, raw data may be transmitted.

In some embodiments, the relative position of the optical stylus may be determined based on indicia detectable by the optical stylus. The indicia may further be used in determining the movement of the optical stylus. The indicia may include pixel dependent indicia that are communicated via the pixels displayed by the touch screen or physical or permanent indicia that are physically present on or in the screen or otherwise positioned such that the optical stylus may detect them. Generally, the indicia are imperceptible to the human eye. As such, the touch screen may be encoded without diminishing or otherwise interfering with images displayed on the touch screen.


In some embodiments, the optical stylus may be configured to determine when the stylus is in contact with the touch screen. For example, in some embodiments, the stylus may include a pressure sensor that may be used to determine when the optical stylus is in contact with the touch screen. In some embodiments, the optical stylus may implement optical sensors to determine when contact is made.

The optical stylus may include one or more orientation determining sensors, such as accelerometers and/or gyroscopes. For example, the optical stylus may include an accelerometer. The accelerometer may be configured to aid in movement determinations, as well as a orientation. In particular, the accelerometer may allow for a determination to be made as to a particular angle at which the stylus is being held relative to the surface of the touch screen.
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The patent application was filed November 19, 2010.

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